Overshoe.



L. B. TRAFTON.

OVERSHOE. APPLICATION FILED nov. 1a, 1909.

Patented July 19, 1910.

Leg w 1n: mamas PETERS co., WASHINGTON, n. c

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEIGH B. TRAF'ION, OF LIMESTONE, MAINE.

OVERSHOE.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LEIGH B. TRAFTON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Limestone, in the county of Aroostook and State of Maine, have invented new and use ful Improvements in Overshoes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to rubber overshoes, the object of the invention being to provide an overshoe which will retain its shape and prevent sweating of the foot, which will be proof against splitting at the points most subjected to strain, and which will securely engage the shoe so that it will not pull off on becoming stuck in mud, clay, snow, etc.

The invention consists of the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, hereinafter fully described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of a rubber overshoe embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the rear portion thereof. Figs. 3 and 4t are vertical transverse sections taken at different points through one of the sides of the counter of the overshoe. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the clip or retainer.

The overshoe 1 shown is of that type provided with an instep flap 2, although this feature is not essential. In accordance with my invention, the marginal edge 3 of the upper is fluted or corrugated and thickened to increase its strength and is provided with an inwardly extending overhang or upwardly and inwardly inclined face 4 to engage over the counter of the shoe and hold the overshoe more securely in position.

The overshoe is provided with the usual lining 5 and its heel portion may be provided adjacent the marginal edge with a reinforcing strip 6. This strip 6 is made of rubber or other suitable material and is adapted to bind frictionally upon the counter around the heel to hold the shoe from pulling off. If made of rubber, this strip may be soft vulcanized so that its bearing surface will tend to stick to the shoe. A strip of a substance like tire tape will serve the same purpose. A fluted galvanized spring wire 7 is embedded in the thickened fluted edge and allows sufficient elasticity, while increasing the strength and gripping power of such edge on the shoe.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed November 13, 1909.

By con- 1 structing the said marginal edge of thei Patented July 19, 1910. Serial No. 527,937.

overshoe in this manner tearing or splitting of the same will be prevented at all points, and particularly at the juncture of the edges of the counter and flap or fore part of the upper where the greatest strain falls.

The major portion of the body of the shoe is preferably provided with a maze or network of air grooves or channels, embodying main channels 8 and cross channels 9 connecting said main channels at suitable intervals. These channels are formed in the inner surface of the material and covered by the porous lining 5, allowing air to circulate around the shoe and affording ample ventilation to prevent the foot from sweating; the main channels being open to the exterior through the corrugated edge, as shown.

If desired, a spring metal clip or retainer 10 may be employed independently of or in conjunction with the strip 6 for additional security in preventing the overshoe from becoming displaced. This retainer is of U-form to eXtend around the heel and rear of the counter of the overshoe and is arranged edgewise around the inner surface of the corrugated edge to increase the holding friction and engage the counter of the shoe. The upper edge of said clip is formed with downturned hook-shaped spring fingers 11 to grip the edge 3, whereby it is held in position.

Through the features of construction described, the strength and durability of the overshoe is increased and the overshoe adapted to be held firmly on the shoe, so that it will not pull off when sunk in mud, snow, soft clay, etc. Furthermore, ample ventilation is afforded to prevent sweating of the foot.

Having fully described the invention, what is claimed as new, is

1. An over shoe having a thickened marginal edge inclined on its inner face to provide an inside overhang and having a fluted formation, and a corrugated reinforcing wire embedded in said thickened edge and corresponding in shape to said fluted formation, the upstanding portions of the corrugations extending into the upstanding portions of the fluted surfaces of the thickened edge.

2. An overshoe having its vamp and quarters provided with a thickened marginal edge inclined on its inner face to provide an inside overhang and having a fluted formation, the inner faces of said portions of the shoe being formed with a series of cominunicating main channels and cross channels opening to the exterior through said marginal edge, a porous lining closing the open inner sides of said channels to form air passages, and a corrugated reinforcing Wire embedded in said thickened edge and corresponding in shape to'said fluted formation, the upstanding portions of the corrugations extending into the upstanding porl LEIGH B. TRAFTON.

Vitnesses JOHN E. MoMENNiuuN,

LEA G. STONE. 

